Representing Comma-Separated List as Chips in RadChipList for ASP.NET AJAX

Environment

Product	RadChipList for ASP.NET AJAX
Version	All

Description

I need to allow users to input values, like medical condition codes, in a text box and dynamically convert each value into a chip when followed by a comma. This functionality should reflect how Adobe Lightroom handles keywords for photos—users type a word followed by a comma, and it transforms into a chip. I also want to store and bind this data appropriately, considering the use of a comma-separated string.

This knowledge base article also answers the following questions:

• How to dynamically create chips in RadChipList for ASP.NET AJAX?
• How to convert user input into RadChipList items with a text box?
• How to bind data from RadChipList into a comma-separated string?

Solution

To achieve this functionality, use the RadChipList control alongside a RadTextBox to dynamically create chips each time the user enters a value followed by a comma. The createItem method of the RadChipList enables dynamic chip creation. Follow the steps below:

1. Add a RadTextBox and a RadChipList to your page.
2. Use the OnKeyPress client-side event of the RadTextBox to check for the comma character.
3. When a comma is detected, extract the input, create a chip using createItem, and clear the text box for further input.

ASP.NET

<telerik:RadTextBox RenderMode="Lightweight" ID="RadTextBox1" runat="server">
    <ClientEvents OnKeyPress="onKeyPress" />
</telerik:RadTextBox>

<telerik:RadChipList runat="server" ID="ChipList1" />

JavaScript

let itemsArray = [];

function onKeyPress(sender, args) {
    if (args.get_keyCharacter() === ',') {
        let code = sender.get_textBoxValue().trim(); // Get current input

        if (code) {
            let chipList = $find('<%= ChipList1.ClientID %>'); // Find RadChipList instance
            let selectedChip = chipList.createItem(code); // Create a chip with the input text

            itemsArray.push(selectedChip); // Add chip to array
            chipList.set_items(itemsArray); // Update the chip list

            setTimeout(() => {
                sender.set_textBoxValue(""); // Clear the text box for new input
            }, 10);
        }
    }
}

Explanation:

• The OnKeyPress event triggers each time a key is pressed within the RadTextBox.
• The args.get_keyCharacter() method checks if the pressed key is a comma.
• The createItem method dynamically creates a chip with the input text.
• The set_textBoxValue() method clears the text box after the chip is created.

See Also

• RadChipList Documentation